Oriundis and Other Naturalized Internationals, Part Six

1- Joisp Weber-Croatia and Belgium 1992/1994

Former Yugoslav-born Josip Weber joined Belgian club Cercle Brugge in 1988.

He played three matches for Croatia in 1992 against Asutralia.

In 1994 he obtained Belgian Citizenship and was part of Belgium’s 1994 World Cup squad.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 63, April 1994

(Josip Weber, former Croatian and Belgian International)

2- Michele Andreolo-Uruguay and Italy, 1934/1942

Uruguay-born and Nacional Montevideo midfielder Michele Andreolo earned caps for Uruguay in 1934/35.

In 1935, he joined Italy’s Bologna, where he won many League titles.

His displays caught the eye of Italy Manager Vittorio Pozzo and he was selected for his new Nation from 1936 onwards.

He was a member of Italy’s 1938 World Cup winning squad.

Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 16, February 1999

(Michele Andreolo)

3- Thomas Christiansen-Denmark and Spain, 1993

Danish-born Thomas Christiansen had a Danish Father and a Spanish Mother.

After his youth years in Denmark, he moved to Spain and joined Barcelona, but was restricted to its B squad.

In 1993, Javier Clemente surprisingly capped him twice for Spain (he scored one goal as well).

His selection was much to the disgust of Barcelona Manager Johann Cruyff. He called his selection as an insult to every First Division player.

Photo From: World Soccer, November 2002

(Thomas Christiansen at Vfl Bochum)

4- Wagner Lopes-Brazil and Japan, 1997/1999

Brazilian striker Wagner Lopes started out at Sao Paulo but left as a teenager in 1987 and played in Japan for a number of teams.

He became a Japanese citizen and started playing for the National team in 1997 and was part of the 1998 World Cup squad.

Photo From: Panini, World Cup 1998

(Wagner Lopes)

5- Pedrag ‘Preki’ Radosavljevic-Yugoslavia and USA, 1996/2001

Yugoslavia-born midfierlder Preki started at Red Star Belgrade, but left shortly thereafter and joined USA’s Indoor Soccer League, where he became a successful goalscorer.

He became a USA citizen and and was part of the 1998 World Cup squad.